The three-day Inter-District GHSS & GHS Tournament 2026 commenced on April 14 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, under the aegis of the Directorate of School Education, Nagaland. The event is funded by Samagra Shiksha Nagaland.
A total of over 600 students from 17 districts are participating in the tournament, with each district represented by 39 participants.
The tournament includes athletics events, track races from 100 metres, 200 metres, 800 metres to 1500 metres for both boys and girls, along with the field event discus throw. Other disciplines include badminton doubles for both boys and girls, sepaktakraw for boys, and volleyball for girls.
Advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome attended the programme as the special guest who also inaugurated the tournament.
In his inaugural address, the Advisor stated that the Directorate has already formulated the Nagaland School Sports Policy, which is currently under examination by the Department of Youth Resources and is expected to be adopted as a state policy. He said the policy aims to systematically identify young talents across the state and provide structured support.
He also highlighted the shortage of trained physical education teachers in schools and informed that the department is considering shifting them under the Department of Youth Resources to ensure better professional training and wider coverage across government, private and central schools. He noted that such a move would enable trained personnel to contribute beyond individual schools and strengthen sports development at the district and state levels.
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Emphasizing the importance of inter-district tournaments, he said such platforms not only promote competition but also help students understand different districts, communities and cultures within the state. He added that the initiative is also aimed at developing interaction among students who may become future leaders.
The Advisor further stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, the sports ecosystem in the state has been strengthened with the functioning of the Nagaland Olympic Association, enabling local athletes to represent the state instead of competing through other platforms. He pointed out that with the presence of sports federations, referees and improved infrastructure, the system is gradually becoming more professional.
Referring to achievements in sports, he mentioned Naga Olympian, Dr T Ao and recent international medal winner, Hokato in shot put, stating that such achievements should inspire young athletes. He added that incentives and exposure at higher levels can motivate students to pursue sports as a career.
He also spoke on the need to identify sports suited to the physical strengths of the people and cited disciplines such as Taekwondo, where Nagaland athletes have performed well at international levels. He informed that the sports policy would focus on identifying and promoting such areas.
The Advisor further stressed the need for professional conduct of sports events, stating that trained supervision is essential for maintaining standards. He encouraged optimal use and sharing of available playgrounds and facilities, especially in urban areas, and called for organizing more events at block, district and state levels.
He informed that future editions of the tournament would be hosted in districts with adequate infrastructure and noted recent developments such as hosting of national-level events and inclusion of disciplines like Sepaktakraw. He also encouraged students to build friendships, represent their districts with pride and aim to represent the state and country in future.
The Advisor acknowledged the efforts of the DEO Mokokchung for hosting the tournament, Mayangnokcha Higher Secondary School for accommodating participants, and the support of the teachers, officials and sports personnel in organizing the event. He also acknowledged the presence of officials including the Joint Director and Deputy Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha from Kohima, along with district officers.
The oath for the competition was administered by the referee, which marked the official declaration of the tournament.
Vitsolie Keyho, Physical Education Officer informed that the tournament is in its 6th edition, having been revived in 2022. He stated that the 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions were held at Kohima, while the 2025 edition took place at Medziphema under Chümoukedima district, and this year’s event is being hosted in Mokokchung. He noted that Mokokchung had earlier hosted the tournament around 2014–15, but there was a break in continuity. An attempt to revive the event in 2021 was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which only virtual orientation programmes for physical education teachers could be conducted.
He further informed that prior to the tournament, all DEOs and concerned officials, including SDOs, were directed to complete their respective district-level tournaments before March 24, 2026. Expressing satisfaction over full participation, he stated that all 17 districts are taking part in the event, with 39 participants representing each district.
Vitsolie Keyho chaired the programme. Sentinenla Longchar, DEO Mokokchung delivered the welcome address followed by an invocation by Dr R Zulu, Associate Pastor, Kumlong Baptist Church. A special number was presented by Mayangnokcha of GHSS Mokokchung.
